Still looking young: Houston prepares to turn 175

The Diana sits somewhere along Buffalo Bayou in this undated photo. (Chronicle file)

Our town is about to turn 175, a fairly young age when compared to other American cities. To celebrate Houston’s dodransbicentennial, a number of events are planned around town in the coming days and weeks.

***

At 5 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 28), Mayor Annise Parker is set to kick off the festivities with a celebration at Market Square Park. A photo booth featuring selections of historic Houston backgrounds and InterActive Theater’s kid-friendly production of Texas Our Texas: The Story of the Bayou City are some of the activities planned. Niko Niko’s will have gyros available for $1.75 and Saint Arnold beer on tap. According to the city, cupcake trucks will offer uniquely Houston birthday cupcakes for $1.75 each, too. HSPVA will provide live music.

***

Tomorrow (Aug. 25), the history of Houston’s architecture will be showcased during an exhibition organized by the American Institute of Architects, Houston chapter, and the Architecture Center Houston Foundation. Curated by Barrie Scardino, the exhibition will feature hundreds of photographs highlighting the development of Houston architecture through the years. The exhibition, which runs until Nov. 4, begins with a reception tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Architecture Center Houston, 315 Capitol.

***

The Houston History Association is marking the city’s birthday with a Oct. 29 conference at the Hilton-University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center.

Here’s how its organizers describe the conference:

Houston, throughout its history, has been a city of immigrants, whether individuals, groups, businesses, corporations or institutions. Why is this so? What is it about Houston that attracted and continues to attract this influx of people? How has this continuing migration helped build Houston into an internationally prominent city? What are the significant milestones in this growth?

Former Mayor Bill White will be the keynote speaker during a luncheon at the conference.

Registration is $50, which includes lunch and parking. More information can be found here.

A number of other exhibitions are planned over the next few weeks. More information on those as it becomes available.

***

Did you know that a family-friendly CD celebrating Houston’s landmarks is in the works?

Musician Leah White and preservationist Sarah Gish have teamed up to produce Houston: Our Roots are Strong, which features 14 songs dedicated to local landmarks. Their goal is to educate and promote interest among children about our city and historic preservation.